2017dahlia 5_HDR2-3
Jan, 2018Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I was invited by a visitor to our garden during a sponsored tour of the Horticultural Society to find time to visit her garden and photograph what turned out to be the most incredible show of dahlias I have seen. Credit goes to Angela from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.Time
The only free time I had was the day of the total eclipse (2017), shortly after noon. I knew it was not the most ideal time of day for outdoor photography, and even more unpredictable immediately following a solar eclipse, but it was my best opportunity, so I took a chance and lowered my expectations.Lighting
As mentioned above, it was the day of the total solar eclipse, and it was a clear hot day with bright, bright sunshine. I was prepared to use filters, but as it turned out, there was enough shade in the garden with the full growth of plants that there was great contrast and added to the mood of many of the shots I took.Equipment
I shot hand held, no flash, with Nikon D810 with 105mm macro lens. 5 shots (bracketed) merged in Photoshop into a hdr image, giving it depth and richness in its colour, finished in LR.Inspiration
Initially I was merely honouring a commitment to photograph someone's beautiful garden and loving creation, and resulted in an unexpected gift of a collection of several macro floral shots, as a fitting remembrance of a rare planetary phenomenon. I titled this piece "Sun Dahlia", and its companion piece "Totality".Editing
The final shot is a compilation of 5, bracketed in camera (-2 to +2 exposure) and merged in Photoshop to create a HDR photo. Final adjustments done in Lightroom.In my camera bag
For landscape shoots I usually bring my Nikkor 20mm, 16-35 mm, 105mm, 70-200mm lenses, Nikon D810, filters (polarizer, ND), and flash. I always have a tripod in the car just in case I need it.Feedback
One lesson from this experience is to not assume that the conditions are not suitable for getting great shots. I was pleasantly surprised (again) and felt good that I was open enough to make the most of the situation I found myself in. I am growing in the ability to see beauty in the "ordinary" around me, and once more, another affirmation to never overlook, and instead to look again and see what is not obvious.
